Elma Lee Lawrence

Elma Lee Lawrence, a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully Friday, the 29th of July 2016, at the remarkable age of 100 years old. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Tracy Nelson Lawrence; and daughter, Sandra Lee Lawrence.

Lee was born in Apple Springs, Texas, on the 6th of October 1915, the daughter of Thomas Lee Martin and Lillie Elma Spring Martin. After attending Apple Springs High School, where she played volleyball and basketball, she continued her education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and received a degree in Education. While at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Lee was actively involved with her sorority. Upon college graduation, she became an educator at Apple Springs Elementary. Soon thereafter, while attending a parade honoring the homecoming of the U.S. Navy Soldiers, Lee met Chief Petty Officer, Tracy N. Lawrence. They married in May of 1947 and had two daughters, Sandra Lee Lawrence and Karon Lynn Lawrence.

In addition to being a mother, Lee enjoyed dedicating her time volunteering to various organizations. She worked with the Republican National Convention, Daughters of the American Revolution, Dale Carnegie, American Leukemia Society, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Houston Chapter, a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star S.P. Waltrip Lodge 1328, and Sherwood Forest Garden Club, where she served as President. As an educator, Lee served on the school board at Second Baptist School and Spring Branch Independent School District. She also was inducted into the Groveton Ex Students Hall of Fame. Together, Tracy and Lee co-founded and served as Board of Directors at First Northwestern Bank.

Lee was elegant and poised with a youthful beauty, which was visible through her love for fashion, competing in beauty pageants, and modeling for Sakowitz Furs. She was also dignified, sophisticated and gracious, but she was mostly known for her kind and gentle spirit, along with her generosity. Through the unexpected death of her daughter, Sandra Lee Lawrence, her love for Christian education was born. As one of its founders, Tracy and Lee became long-time friends of Houston Baptist University. Lee concentrated her efforts by dedicating over fifty years of service, within many organizations throughout the university. She was a lifetime member of The Guild, serving a term as president, a member of the Museum of Southern History, a member of the American Museum Society, and a lifetime member of the President’s Leadership Council, along with the Covenant Society. In May of 2006, Tracy and Lee, along with their daughter, Karon, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, were honored as the first “Family of the Year” by HBU in recognition for their love and support of the university. Landmarks on the HBU campus, named in honor of the Lawrence’s include Lawrence Park and Hinton Academic Center, in memory of their daughter, Sandra Lee Lawrence, whose name can be seen above the main entrance to the Center. In addition, the Lawrence’s established full scholarships that continuously benefit many students at the university.

Lee was a dedicated Christian, having strong faith and a deep personal relationship with the Lord. She was compelled to teach the importance of knowing the Lord as a personal Savior to her family. She did so with scripture reading, sharing Bible stories, and leading by example. Lee was a member of numerous Sunday schools and attended many Bible studies. In addition, she served the Lord by participating with Campus Crusade for Christ, Billy Graham Crusades, and was as a delegate for the Southern Baptist Convention. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church, Woodway Campus, for over seventy years.

Lee was known for her love of travel. She enjoyed visiting other countries and having the opportunity to learn about and experience of other cultures. Her passion was further emphasized by serving as a leader for international tour groups. Lee would often accept speaking engagements in order to share her stories about her travels.

Together, with her late husband, Tracy, they selflessly and lovingly raised their five grandchildren as their own, leaving their legacy.

Elma Lee Lawrence will always be remembered for her style, class, and signature saying “Forever Young.”

In addition to her parents, husband, and daughter, Lee was preceded in death by her siblings, Jerry Martin Wilson, Evelina Martin Lawrence, and Thomas Lee Martin. Celebrating her life are her daughter, Karon Lynn Lawrence; and five grandchildren, Sandra Jelliff Wilson, Tracy Donalson Farquhar, Lori Martin Agrons, Michael Alan Jelliff, and Jonathan Stephen Jelliff, all of Houston. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Martin Wilson, Taylor Nelson Donalson, Grayson Scott Wilson, Sidney Lynn Donalson, Pierce Dennis Donalson, Adam Lawrence Jelliff, and Savannah Lee Pearl Jelliff, all of Houston. Lee’s nephew, Peyton Lee Martin, who was dear to her heart, will serve as one of the pallbearers.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with her family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 4th of August, in the Library and Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service celebrating her life is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 5th of August, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, where Rev. John Barksdale, Executive Director of Pastoral Ministries, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Deacons’ Parlor.

Family and friends are to gather for an interment at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 6th of August, at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Apple Springs, Texas.